George Edward DeShields, Jr.

George Edward DeShields, Jr., “Leaper”, 81, of Nottingham, PA, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 11, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family. Born in West Chester, PA, George was the cherished son of the late George Edward DeShields, Sr., Rev. Margaret Elisabeth (Burrell), and his stepmother, Aristine "Tina" Thomas.

George was a dedicated husband to Sharon Morton DeShields, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and shared experiences.

He received his education from the Kennett School District. He ran track in high school, where he held a record for the mile. A 1964 graduate of Kennett Consolidated High School, he furthered his education at Goldie Beacom College, earning an associate degree. George served his country with honor in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was an aircraft mechanic. He received several medals for his valiant efforts and served until he was honorably discharged.

His ability to fix anything was remarkable. His family and friends benefited from his ability to fix cars, appliances, and anything else.

George took classes at the Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute, where he received a certificate for HVAC. Professionally, he worked as a skilled HVAC-R technician at Wyeth Laboratories in West Chester until his retirement. He volunteered as a firefighter in Kennett Square and was also given a certificate from the borough of Kennett for the plumbing work he provided.

George loved to watch Western cowboy shows on television. He was an avid golfer, camper, and dancer, with a love for traveling to places like Cancun, Mexico, and Myrtle Beach, SC. He had a passion for fashionable hats, fast cars and trucks. He enjoyed listening to jazz music. He was a regular attendee of the Berks Jazz Festival, particularly enjoying performances by Brian Culbertson.

A fitness enthusiast, George worked out regularly at the YMCA. He enjoyed Hershey’s chocolate and seafood, especially snow and king crab legs from Joe's Crab Shack and Red Lobster.

Most of all, he loved the Lord and his family. George was a faithful member and Deacon at New Life in Christ Fellowship in Coatesville, PA. He served in the Safety and Wellness Ministry and the Medical Team. His commitment to his faith and community was unwavering.

George leaves a treasure of precious memories to his loving wife, Sharon DeShields; sons, George DeShields III (Carisa) and Terrance DeShields, both of Murfreesboro, TN; daughters, Traci Morton of Corona, CA, Kesha DeShields of Crestview, FL, Tia Brown of Kennett Square, PA; and a grandson he raised, Ernest Joint III. He is also survived by his siblings, Rev. Margaret DeShields Cornelius (Alan) and Catherine I. DeShields; sister-in-law, Karen A. Dickinson (David) of Waimea, Kawai; brother-in-law, Albert "Deet" Morton III of Coatesville; 15 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, his stepmother, George was preceded in death by his first wife, Freda E. DeShields, his son Jeffrey DeShields, Sr., his grandson James Morton-Bookman, and his siblings, Florence DeShields, Charles Irvin DeShields, Sr., John DeShields and in-laws, Albert and Jennie Morton.

Homegoing Services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at New Life in Christ Fellowship, 1 South Fifth Avenue, Coatesville, PA. The viewing will be held from 8:00 - 9:45 AM.

Interment with military honors will take place at Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square, PA.

Condolences to be read should be faxed to 610-383-7523 or emailed to wrightfuneralsvs@aol.com by Friday, 3:00 pm.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page where all are welcome to light a candle in his memory.

Flowers may be sent to the church. The flower theme colors are white and purple.